2 – The illness has varied symptoms: the most pronounced are dramatic mood swings consisting of euphoria to debilitating episodes of depression and then back to normal moods. During an episode of delight, behaviors include extreme energy, decreased need for sleep, and increased aggression. Depressive episodes cause extreme despair, hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, and sometimes thoughts of suicide.
3 – Women and men are equally affected, as are children and adolescents (although a diagnosis in children and adolescents is more challenging to determine). Those diagnosed with bipolar disorder have at least one family member with the illness. And children of parents with the disease are more likely to develop it themselves.
4 – There are effective treatments with a medication called mood stabilizers. In addition to medication, psychotherapy prescribes as a treatment. Psychotherapy helps people understand their illnesses and develop skills to cope with life events and stressors that can trigger manic and depressive episodes.
5 – Bipolar disorder is not curable. It is lifelong. With a close relationship with a mental health professional, proper diagnosis, and vigilant adherence to medications and prescribed treatment plans, many people with bipolar illness lead productive and rewarding lives.
Some tips: 1. Reduce stress. Mental health professionals believe increased stress can trigger a depressive episode in people with bipolar disorder. Finding time to relax or talk to someone during a stressful event leads to greater calm.
2. A healthy lifestyle. It is crucial to establish routines, such as exercising simultaneously every day, going to bed at the same time every night, and waking up at the same time every morning. Erratic sleep patterns increase the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Maintain a healthy diet.
3. Improve your life. Engage in things that bring feelings of joy, happiness, and accomplishment. Hobbies or activities that bring peace or relaxation serve well in dealing with the confusion of bipolar disorder.
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Bipolar disorder is not a simple illness; it is a complex brain disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves—also known as manic-depressive illness. Individuals with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings, from euphoric highs to depressive lows. Diagnosis is based on mental health evaluations, physical examinations, and laboratory tests.
